Themba Zwane urges Mamelodi Sundowns to avenge TS Galaxy defeat

Mamelodi Sundowns midfielder Themba Zwane says last season’s painful defeat by TS Galaxy remains a key motivation as the sides prepare to meet again in the Betway Premiership on Tuesday.

TS Galaxy shocked Sundowns in the final match of the previous campaign, a result which effectively ended the Brazilians’ hopes of winning a record-extending ninth successive league title.

The disappointment has not been forgotten inside the Sundowns camp. Zwane says the players are determined to produce a different outcome when they face Galaxy again.

“To be honest, we have to win against them,” Zwane said.

“Every time we play them, they give us a tough time but we know it’s not going to be easy, but we have to push.”

Sundowns will go into the fixture with increased confidence after reaching the semi-finals of the MTN8 at the weekend.

Miguel Cardoso’s team were forced to play extra time before overcoming Polokwane City, securing a place in the last four, where they will meet Golden Arrows.

The match also provided an encouraging glimpse of Sundowns’ additional attacking options. Antonio Van Wyk marked his return with a goal and an assist, while Cassius Mailula came back into the squad and scored the decisive goal in the cup tie.

Zwane believes the two players have already shown the qualities that persuaded Sundowns to bring them back.

“I think they’re doing well, the guys welcomed them very well, we are happy to have them,” he said.

“They’re quality players and that’s why they’re here.”

Their availability gives Cardoso greater depth in attack as Sundowns balance their domestic programme with their continental commitments. However, Zwane acknowledged that the squad has had little time to prepare in detail for the meeting with TS Galaxy.

Preparations have also been affected by the late return of several Bafana Bafana players after their World Cup campaign. The team has additionally had to deal with the death of midfielder Jayden Adams.

Despite those difficulties, Sundowns used their time in Mpumalanga to study their previous encounter with Galaxy and review what went wrong.

“The preparations have obviously not been that much but upon arrival here in Mpumalanga, we got to rewatch the TS Galaxy game,” he said.

“We know exactly what to expect, especially the game we played last time when we were here.”

The latest meeting consequently carries significance beyond the immediate pursuit of three points. For Sundowns, it is a chance to respond to the setback that damaged their title challenge last season and to send an early message in the new campaign.

The source also refers to the encounter as taking place on Wednesday, although it initially identifies Tuesday as the match day.